CLINICAL RESEARCH

The scalpel finishing technique:

a tooth-friendly way to finish dental
composites in anterior teeth
Elaine Kup, DDS, MSc
Associate Assistant, Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics,
Faculty of Dental Surgery, Paris
Member of the Biomimetic Pole of the Dentistry Service, Charles Foix Hospital,
Ivry-sur-Seine, France

Gil Tirlet, DDS, PhD

Senior Lecturer, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Surgery, Paris
Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cit, Montrouge, France
Department of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry, APHP
Head of the Biomimetic Pole of the Dentistry Service, Charles Foix Hospital,
Ivry-sur-Seine, France
Private Practice, Paris

Jean-Pierre Attal, DDS, PhD

Senior Lecturer, Department of Biomaterials (URB2i, EA4462), Faculty of Dental Surgery,
Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cit, Montrouge, France
Department of Restorative Dentistry, APHP, Dentistry Service at the Charles Foix Hospital,
Ivry-sur-Seine, France
Private Practice, Paris

Correspondence to: Elaine Kup

Diderot: Garancire/Rothschild Hospital Dentistry Service, Paris, France, 15, Chemin du Buisson Guerin-Mareil Marly 78750,
France; E-mail: elaine_kup@hotmail.com

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Abstract
Optimal results can be obtained on di-

Enhanced movement control and fine

rect restorations by the application of

fingertip perception of the surface tex-

layering procedures that combine the

ture while moving the scalpel blade al-

accurate morphological insertion of re-

low the operator to detect and cut the

storative materials with the knowledge

excess composite material during the

of the optical and mechanical properties

margination procedure and to refine the

of both composite resin and natural hard

final anatomy. Avoiding the use of finish-

dental tissue. Even if the finishing pro-

ing burs during finishing procedures on

cedures on restorations, such as mar-

direct composite restorations may save

gination (the trimming of margins), are

adjacent enamel surfaces from abrasive

minimized by anatomical layering tech-

damage. The composite surface and

niques, finishing can still be highly com-

margins may also benefit from using the

plicated due to a number of pre-finishing

scalpel finishing technique, considering

sequences using specific instruments

the potential risk of excess removal and

proposed in the literature, which include

surface crazing that the improper use of

finishing burs and abrasive discs. Fin-

finishing burs could cause to composite

ishing procedures performed with a

material. The purpose of this article is to

scalpel on polymerized direct compos-

propose and describe the scalpel finish-

ite restorations can improve the quality of

ing technique step by step, as well as

the final sculptured surface by develop-

to briefly discuss the advantages of its

ing natural contours and characteristics

application within the limits of a clinical

and by removing the excess restorative

case report.

material at the tooth-structure margin.

(Int J Esthet Dent 2015;10:XXXXXX)

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Introduction

and subsurface, which would decrease

the longevity of the restoration.7,8

The latest composite resins have evolved

Some studies have shown that the

to become some of the most versatile

use of diamond finishing burs could lead

materials in the science of dental res-

to crazing and composite loss, creating

torations. Available in a wide range of

surface irregularities.9,10 Microfill com-

viscosities correlated mostly to filler con-

posites

tent, hybrid (microhybrid), microfill, and

when finished with carbide burs.11 Al-

nanofill/nanohybrid composite formula-

though microhybrid composites have

tions offer a choice of different mechani-

been shown to pluck out during fin-

cal and physical properties for a variety

ishing and polishing procedures, they

of clinical applications.1 These materials

have also been shown to be more re-

are also able to provide some potential

sistant to surface microfractures during

additional benefits, such as proper mar-

finishing procedures when compared to

gin adaptation, less structure wear, less

other classes of composites.11,12 Nano-

long-term staining, and higher surface

filled composites apparently exhibit the

polishability.2-5

lowest incidence of surface defects after

Unfortunately, studies have shown

that bonded composite restorations are
not only sensitive to certain materials but
also to particular

techniques.6

can

develop

microfractures

finishing and polishing, regardless of the

polishing system used.4
Excessive removal of composite ma-

Even if

terial can lead to voids and margin de-

the finishing restorative procedures are

fects of the material, as well as to poor

minimized by anatomical layering tech-

esthetics. Marginal breakdown will re-

niques, a composite restoration must

sult in early wear, discoloration, plaque

undergo proper finishing and polishing

retention, periodontal tissue irritation,

procedures once it is placed and fully

and the patients tactile detection of the

cured in order to ensure perfect con-

restoration.3 Clinical and in vitro stud-

tours and longevity, minimize plaque ac-

ies have shown that residual surface

cumulation, and achieve the expected

roughness of composites can influence

esthetic results.

plaque retention, which usually results in

Finishing and polishing procedures

have to be considered in addition to all

superficial staining, gingival inflammation, and secondary caries.13-15

the other known parameters relating to

Nevertheless, apart from the potential

the longevity of composite restorations.

damage to the composite surface that

Improper

overheating

must be considered during these pro-

caused by repeated polishing have the

finishing

and

cedures, great caution should also be

potential to jeopardize the restoration

taken not to overwear sound surround-

surface and the marginal integrity of the

ing tooth structure with finishing carbide

restoration. Even in the case of minimal

or diamond burs and abrasive discs

mechanical finishing, heat and vibration

during finishing procedures.16 Adjacent

may damage the surface of the com-

enamel should be preserved mostly in-

posite and can lead to the formation of

tact, and tertiary anatomy must be cre-

microcracks along the material surface

ated on the composite surface to meet

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and mirror the adjacent enamel, and not

steps: finishing, margination, and pol-

the other way around.

ishing.17

Excessively uniform and even brilliant

Finishing, in the dental context, is the

surfaces are mostly found in age-worn

generic concept of removing excess ma-

teeth. Removing and over-smoothing

terial while defining anatomic contours.

adjacent enamel structure during exces-

Margination or recontouring is part of the

sive or repeated finishing procedures

finishing process. It refers to the removal

with abrasive instruments can erase

of the excess, overhanging restorative

the original, beautiful, natural texture of

material at the cavosurface margins,

the enamel surface, creating an aged

creating a smooth continuity from one

tooth aspect particularly on the buccal

surface to another. During the process

surfaces of anterior teeth. The natural

of margination, both technique and the

microtopography of the enamel should

finishing instruments used have to be

be respected and taken into account to

carefully chosen to ensure maximum re-

achieve more visually pleasing esthetic

spect for the adjacent dental tissue and

results.

structure while reproducing the normal

In this article, for the first time, we pro-

anatomic shape of the restored area.

pose the use of a scalpel blade instead

In most cases, dentists use sequential

of traditional abrasive finishing burs to

diamond finishing burs to perform the

remove any overhang of polymerized

finishing processes of contouring and

restorative material, as well as for con-

adjusting.

restoration

Polishing refers to the process of

margins and refining sculpture details

smoothing away tiny residual surface

during finishing and before polishing

defects left behind after finishing and

procedures.

margination.

touring

direct

composite

Our experience has shown that gross

reduction, coarse finishing, and margin-

Brief discussion: finishing

and polishing

ation using a scalpel blade could stra-

There is some misunderstanding in the

a pre-polished surface ready for final

literature, as well as in professional den-

polishing (Fig1a). Due to the dynamics

tal language, about the difference be-

of rotary instruments, damage that is dif-

tween the procedural steps of finishing

ficult to control could occur on the sur-

and polishing. Although they are often

face that these instruments touch. The

mentioned together, these two proced-

burs fast, abrasive action immediately

ures actually have unique and specific

widens the initial area with which it comes

goals. A chronological progression of

into contact, which may result in more

steps needs to be respected that always

material being removed than is desired

starts with gross reduction and contour-

or is necessary, or in a flatter surface

ing and ends with final polishing. Basi-

design. When using a static instrument

cally, we can divide the 2-step finishing

such as a scalpel, due to the operators

and polishing procedures into 3 main

better control of the working speed and

tegically contribute to a reduction and

simplification of finishing steps, leaving

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Fig 1a SEM image (Biomaterial laboratory, Par-

Fig 1b SEM image of a microhybrid composite

is V University, Montrouge, France) of a microhy-

surface (Enamel Plus HFO-GE2, Micerium) submit-

brid composite (Enamel Plus HFO-GE2, Micerium)

ted to the abrasive action of a red diamond finish-

surface entirely submitted to the peeling action

ing bur, applying finishing movements parallel to

of a No. 15 scalpel blade. A smoother surface is

the surface. The surface topography shows a much

achieved when compared to the surface trimmed

rougher texture when compared to the finish ob-

by a red diamond finishing bur (Fig 1b).

tained using the No.15 scalpel blade (Fig 1a).

of the amount of surface affected, dam-

ment for cutting composite during finish-

age to a hard substrate surface is lim-

ing. When used on polymerized direct

ited to the area under the blades curve.

composite materials to define anatom-

Further, particularly on the composite

ical contours (gross reduction, course

surface, damage can be controlled and

finishing, and margination), as well as

stopped faster and more precisely with

to refine surface sculpture, the scalpels

a scalpel than when a high-speed rotary

thin blade enables the operator to create

instrument is being used.

complex micro-anatomical details that

will lead to better light-reflecting kinet-

The scalpel as a finishing

ics and tooth-restoration harmonization

instrument

without damaging the composite sur-

The use of a No.12B scalpel blade to

with a blade compared to a diamond bur

remove excess or unbounded resin

will lead to a smoother micro-surface,

from proximal areas has already been

simplifying and shortening the polishing

described.1 In this article, we propose

procedures. Figure 1a shows a SEM im-

to describe the use of a scalpel (mostly

age of the microtopographic aspect of a

a No.15 or No. 15C blade) as the main

microhybrid composite surface that has

finishing instrument, not only for excess

been entirely submitted to the action of

composite removal from areas that are

a No.
15 scalpel blade, positioned at

difficult to access, but also as an instru-

an approximate 30-degree angle to the

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KUP ET AL

Fig 2aInitial photo of maxillary teeth

taken a few weeks after the removal of orthodontic fixed appliances.

Fig 2b Frontal view of anterior teeth in

maximum intercuspation (MI). Patient displays a shallow vertical overlap.

composite in a horizontal peeling move-

maxillary incisor tooth (or peg tooth)

ment to simulate a gross reduction ac-

(Figs2a and 2b).

tion. Figure 1b shows a SEM image of

With a view to the future restoration,

the same microhybrid composite, sub-

the orthodontist had left a symmetric

mitted this time to a fine grit red-ring fin-

space equivalent to the width of the nor-

ishing bur (50 grit).

mal contralateral tooth, distal and me-

As the scalpel blade will only cut com-

sial to the conoid tooth. The space was

posite material when used on a hard

maintained (and still is to this day) by

tooth surface, it can be considered a

means of a fixed wired palatal retention

material-selective and tooth-friendly fin-

(Figs3a and 3b).

ishing instrument.
Therapeutic options
A minimally invasive bonded ceramic

Case report

veneer on a modified prepless tooth in-

Step-by-step description of

considering the expected longevity, op-

the scalpel finishing technique

timal esthetic results, and tissue pres-

A 17-year-old woman, having just fin-

Nevertheless, the patients mother asked

ished orthodontic treatment, consulted

for a less expensive and more direct so-

for an esthetic solution on her conoid

lution.

tervention was proposed to the patient,

ervation provided by this restoration.

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Fig 3 (a and b) Right (conoid) tooth and left lateral views in MI occlusion. (c) Close-up view of the
normal contralateral tooth that will serve as a reference to create a symmetric morphology on the conoid
contralateral tooth. (d) Projection of translucent mirror image of normal contralateral reference on the peg
tooth. The image allows previsualization of the composite adjunction that will be necessary to reproduce
the desired anatomic contours.

We then proposed a direct composite

the possibility of repairing composites,

bonded restoration with no bur removal

and following the philosophy of maxi-

of tooth structure (prepless technique)

mum tooth preservation over a lifetime

with a prior direct mock-up to guide

as proposed in the Therapeutic Gradi-

the layering of the composite material

ent,18 we proceeded with a direct adhe-

(template technique). Information was

sive restoration.

given to the patient concerning prob-

Before

enamel

dehydration

takes

able shorter longevity of this type of res-

place, information for color analyses

toration, considering its large volume,

was noted and preoperative macro

and less predictable esthetic results

pictures were taken (Figs2a to 3c).

due to this direct technique when com-

Using the computers image tool de-

pared to ceramics. Both patient and

vice, we created a mirror image by

mother preferred this second solution.

horizontally flipping the image of the

Considering the age of the patient and

normal lateral (contralateral) tooth

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Fig 4 (a and b) Direct mock-up made on the peg

tooth (close vision and occlusion testing). (c) Nearsymmetrical morphology to the contra-maxillary lateral was achieved by a freehand mock-up on the
conoid lateral. This morphology was viewed and
approved by the patient (esthetic validation).

that will serve as a reference and

A mock-up was prepared using a

projecting it onto the image of the co-

freehand technique by applying com-

noid tooth. After redimensioning both

posite directly onto the conoid tooth

images to fit each other, we used

without any adhesive procedure. A

the opacity image tool to lower the

near-symmetrical morphology to the

opacity of the normal lateral so that

contra-maxillary lateral was achieved

this tooth image became translucent.

(Figs4a to 4c). Once approved, this

This method enables the visualization

outline was registered using a rigid

of the underlying morphology of the

silicone impression that was sec-

peg tooth (Fig 3d) and the previsu-

tioned by a scalpel into a matrix or

alization of the position and volume

lingual template, which served as a

of composite adjunction that will be

guide for the multilayer technique that

needed to achieve the desired final

followed (Figs4d and 4e).

morphology. Later, moving the opac-

Following rubber dam isolation, grit

ity image tool to maximum opacity

blasting of the enamel surface was

and having this image on the com-

undertaken (50
aluminum oxide

puter screen next to the chair gives

particles). No bur abrasion was em-

the dentist a constant predehydration

ployed. A total-etch, 2-step adhesive

view of the color features, as well as a

procedure (Optibond Solo Plus, Kerr)

model for macro- and microanatomy

followed, and restoration was per-

reproduction.

formed according to the principles

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Fig 4 (continued)(d) Silicone template: impression of the mock-up. (e) Silicone template in place
after removing the mock-up. (f) Palatal wall and first dentine composite increments. (g) Composite restoration roughly completed.

of the anatomical composite 3D lay(Vanini).19

The scalpel finishing technique

Blue pig-

This case was chosen as an example

ment effects were used to create the

to describe this technique because, as

translucent and opalescent effects

all surfaces of the tooth were implicated,

on the incisal third. The halo effect

various possibilities and ways of using

was reproduced with dentinal body

the scalpel as a sculpting/finishing instru-

composite, and the cloudlike white

ment could be demonstrated. However,

stains of hypomineralization were cre-

in our opinion, there are more indications

ering technique

masses20

applied

where this technique can be used to fin-

on the dentin core, before insertion of

ish partial direct composite restorations.

ated with intensive

the final enamel composite layer. The

restoration was then ready for finishing and polishing procedures (Figs4f
and 4g).

1. Initial anatomic definition and gross

contour
The conoid tooth presents a cervical area narrower than a normal lateral incisor.

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Figs 5a and 5b Recontouring of cervical and interproximal embrasures.

Fig 6a and 6b Always ensure a stable fingerhold on the tooth and grip the scalpel as close as possible to the blade; in this case, the grip is mostly between the middle and index finger and the thumb, like
a pencil grip.

Therefore, to develop a natural contour

point of the blade. The extreme lateral

of the emergency profile, additive com-

edge of the blade, adjacent to its point,

posite has to be extended slightly into

is used to reshape this cervical area by

the embrasures on the proximal mar-

cutting any excess composite to create

gins. Transparent matrices applied in the

a rounded, anatomical contiguity of the

interproximal region to guide the com-

restoration material with the adjacent

posite insertion tend to give an unnatural

dental cervical structure. For this result

profile that is too straight. Recontouring

to be achieved, the blade should be

using the scalpel blade starts by remov-

positioned at an approximate 30-degree

ing overhangs (any excessive restora-

angle with the surface of the restoration

tive and adhesive material) present in

(Figs5a and 5b). The scalpel should be

the gingival interproximal embrasures.

gripped between the fingers in a pencil

At the same time, the correction of the

grip. A firm, sliding/peeling movement

composite interproximal and cervical flat

is performed from the composite to the

profile is precisely performed using the

tooth structure, moving as one would

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Fig 7 Removing excess composite material from

Fig 8 Refining the distoincisal angle profile.

the cervical tooth margins.

when handling a hand-trimming chisel,

the blade. There should be no remaining

to achieve the desired anatomic shape.

gaps or excess. At this point, the macro-

It is very important to always ensure

anatomic contour of the tooth can be re-

and maintain a stable fingerhold on the

confirmed or refined. A straighter mesial

tooth while handling the scalpel. One

profile and rounder distoincisal outline

should grip the instrument as close as

can be slightly redefined by the blade.

possible to the blade (Figs6a and 6b) to

Also, some corrections to the V-shape

ensure stability and to prevent the blade

openings of mesio- and distoincisal an-

from accidentally slipping onto the adja-

gles (Fig8) can be precisely performed

cent soft tissue.

using a No.15 scalpel blade without destroying the convex form of the tooths

2. Gross reduction and margination

outline or endangering the surface of the

Margination starts by applying the same

adjacent teeth, or the contact surface in

firm, continuous, sliding/cutting move-

the case of interproximal areas.

ment of the blade. Excessive composite material is removed by peeling. A

3. Surface vertical anatomy

smooth compositeenamel margin tran-

Width illusion is key when it comes to

sition is achieved by sliding the blade

symmetry in restorations.21 The percep-

so that the lateral cutting part of its tip is

tion of the width and length of a tooth

always in contact with the interface be-

largely depends on the position, form,

tween restoration and tooth (Fig7). The

and cervical convergence of the two

enamel surface will guide the blade.

buccal vertical transitional line angles.

As the scalpel will not cut the enamel,

Normally, these features have already

any roughness or overhanging compos-

been defined and sculpted during the

ite and non-bonded material still present

composite build-up stage, taking into

on these margins will be trimmed away.

account symmetry with the contralateral

is

tooth. Despite this, some corrections to

achieved by smoothly sliding the edge of

the convex anatomic aspects often have

The

adaptation

of

the

margin

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Figs 9a to 9e Repositioning and refining transition line angles.

to be made during the finishing stages

ing vertical cutting/peeling movements

of the restoration.

(Figs9a and 9b). Rounding or accen-

In classical finishing technique, cor-

tuation of the profiles of the angles can

rections to the form and position of ridg-

be obtained by scratching vertically or

es and lines are usually performed using

horizontally with the blade (Figs9c and

fine grit diamond finishing burs. With the

9d). An unwanted over-homogenization

scalpel finishing technique, we suggest

on the profile of the transition line crest

the use of a No. 15 scalpel blade for

may be easier to avoid using a blade

this procedure. These line angles can

rather than a finishing bur, where, in the

easily be pushed and replaced more

latter case, the homogenization occurs

distally or medially with the blade by us-

all at once (Fig9e).

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Figs 10a to 10f Defining facial macroanatomic limits of eminences of rounded mamelons and creating
asymmetric details, as observed in natural enamel topography. The point of the scalpel is very useful for
reproducing the smooth grooves.

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4. O
 ther macrogeographic aspects
and the incisal shape
The profile of the incisal edge and the
delicate shape of the rounded eminences of the mamelons are accentuated in symmetry with the collateral tooth
(Figs10a and 10b). The fissure-shaped
edge (reunion of developmental lobes)
between the mamelons is worked on with
the blades fine point, finding its contiguity on the vertical fine grooves (Figs 10c
and 10d). Shallow, smooth depressions
can be seen between the lobes on the

Fig 11 Correcting the palatal concavity with the

curved part of the blade. Cingulum anatomy may

buccal face of the tooth. Those features

be carved or refined by employing the edge of the

may be sculpted using the round part of

blade.

the blade (Fig10e). The incisal third profile is slightly rounded by the blade, producing a minimal incisal plane breakdown on the buccal surface (Fig10f).
5. Palatal anatomic aspects

6. Palatal sculpture

Palatal anatomic aspects can be cor-

To finish palatal sculpture, the incisal,

rected

football-

slope-like angle on the lingual side is

shaped diamond or carbide burs. Ordi-

also refined by active sliding move-

nary scalpel blades are not sufficiently

ments of the blade, as if peeling the in-

small or rounded enough. It may take

cisal edge while forming an approximate

more time, particularly for beginners of

40-degree-angle slope with the long ax-

this technique, to refine concavity sculp-

is of the clinical crown. Obviously, this

tured lingual aspects of tooth anatomy.

incisal slope angle may vary between

The palatal surface is a region that is dif-

teeth, depending on variations in crown

ficult access, with some teeth presenting

anatomy and tooth contacts. In this area,

very pronounced concavity. The palatal

the anatomic shape has to be custom-

finishing of this lateral was all done us-

ized to perfectly fit the incisal guidance,

ing a scalpel (Fig11) and discs, but a

including wear, chipping, etc. Normally,

combined technique with rotary round-

due to physiological movements during

shaped abrasive points or burs could al-

incisal guidance, the incisal edge pre-

so be necessary. Scalpel blade No.12B

sents some worn surfaces. The tooth

can be useful to access some palatal

shown in Fig10e, as an example, is a

areas, such as interproximal palatal em-

young lateral that still presents its round-

brasures and cervical ridges adjacent to

ed slope shapes almost intact.

using

either

rotary

the gingival area.

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Polishing
The restoration was polished using abrasive strips, abrasive polishing discs, silicon carbide polishing brushes, and felts
with fine and extra-fine polishing pastes
(Figs13a to 13c). During polishing, softer shapes can easily be obtained with
abrasive strips applied directly onto the
surface using finger friction (Fig13d).
This procedure results in a more natural
look, as if the tooth has been submitted to some physiological wear, such as

Fig 12 Refining central lobe anatomy.

would result from the use of an abrasive

toothbrush.

Results analysis
7. Tertiary horizontal anatomical features

As can be seen in Figs14a and 14b,

Various other tertiary horizontal anatom-

anatomy, characteristics, and surface

ical features may also be reproduced

reflections are in harmony with the ad-

employing the scalpel on the facial sur-

jacent teeth. The maxillary laterals allow

face. Refining macro- and micro-surface

for some asymmetry, and small differ-

topographic aspects interferes with the

ences between these teeth play an im-

surface reflective behavior of the light,

portant role in a natural appearance.

allowing a more diffused type of reflec-

and 14b), one can notice a bulging re-

tion (Fig12).
Particularly in younger dentition, the
microanatomic

When carefully observed (Figs

14a

aspects,

as

flective surface emerging on the center

vertical

of the buccal face of this restored tooth.

and horizontal striated lines, produce a

Actually, this region corresponds to the

more invisible restoration with a natural

original natural convex surface of the co-

blended final effect. Customized natural

noid tooth, emerging from the center of

strias (grooves) may be created using

the restoration, which was left unharmed.

the blade in a drawing action.

If finishing burs were used rather than a

Buccal face microanatomy may also

scalpel to refine the sculpture on the buc-

be effectively created using a combined

cal surface of this tooth, this protruding

scalpel and bur technique, or even just

surface of enamel would end up being

finishing with a bur. However, in our

flattened by abrasive subtraction during

opinion, the use of a bur for the finish-

the finishing process. This goes to show

ing steps should ideally be limited to the

how the scalpel technique respects the

composite surfaces far from the restor-

natural dental tissues (Figs15a to 15c).

ation margins.

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Figs 13a to 13d Final polishing procedures.

Fig 14 (a) Close mesial facial view of the restoration immediately the removal of the rubber dam. A bulging surface is
a

observable on the buccal face of the restored lateral. (b) Front

view of anterior tooth, 1 week later.

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Conclusions
It is known that finishing procedures can
be minimized and better results can be
achieved by adding the correct volume
of composite material while employing a
Fig 15aFinal photo showing maxillary anterior
teeth with equilibrated proportions.

careful technique to achieve incremental build-up. However, when it is necessary to remove composite material after
final polymerization to achieve the desired anatomy and contours, finishing
burs have the potential to harm sound
surrounding dental tissue. Burs could
also jeopardize composite margins and
the anatomic detail created on the resin
composite surface. To avoid these issues, the scalpel finishing technique
can be used to trim and finish composite margins. The following advantages
can be potentially obtained using this
technique:

Fig 15bFinal dental gingival photo of anterior

teeth in maximum interception. Good harmony of
form, color, and reflections can be seen.

Immediate surrounding enamel is left

unharmed by the abrasive process.
By minimizing the use of sequential
diamond finishing burs, particularly on
composite margins, less composite
material is damaged or unnecessarily
removed in this delicate junction area,
consequently improving the resistance and longevity of the restoration.
The technique can simplify the final polishing procedures, leaving a
smoother composite surface that is
easier to polish immediately after the
finishing stage.
The simplicity and precision of the
technique, along with the esthetic results that can potentially be achieved,
make it a reasonable and safe alternative to the use of final finishing burs.
Apart from the predictability and time-

Fig 15c Patients smile at 1-week recall control

saving factors, the technique could

appointment.

be considered a minimally invasive

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VOLUME 10 NUMBER 2 SUMMER 2015

KUP ET AL

dentistry approach for the finishing of

Acknowledgments

direct composite restorations.

We thank all the laboratory technicians at the Montrouge Biomaterial Laboratory of Paris Descartes (Par-

In our opinion, the scalpel finishing technique is an accessible way of finishing

composites that could be proposed as
an everyday dental office method that

is V) University, Faculty of Dental Surgery, who have

contributed to this article by making it possible for the
authors to obtain the SEM images shown here. We
would also like to thank the clinicians for their kindness
and patience in reading and reviewing this article.

embraces the principles of minimally invasive dentistry, ensuring maximum re-

Disclosure statement

spect for dental tissues while optimizing

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of

and simplifying finishing procedures.

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